How to zip (compress) files and folders on Windows 11, 10

• To zip files on Windows 11 23H2, open the location of the files in File Explorer, select and right-click the contents, and select the “Compress to ZIP file” option to create the zip file.
• To create a zip file on Windows 11 24H2, open the location of the files, select and right-click the contents, choose “Compress to,” click on “Additional options,” select “ZIP,” choose the compression method and level, and click on “Create.”
• Alternatively, you can use PowerShell with the Compress-Archive command with the specific options.

Windows 11 (and 10) has a “zip” feature built into File Explorer to compress files rather than a standalone application. In this guide, I will explain how to use it to compress files quickly or gather a bunch of files to send them over the internet. In addition to the File Explorer zip feature, you can also compress files using PowerShell commands. 

However, these file compression features are somehow limited to what other applications may offer. For instance, while you can control the compression method and level, you cannot use password protection or choose the encryption method.

In this guide, I will teach you the steps to create a zip file to compress content on Windows 11 or 10.

Create zip files on Windows 11 from File Explorer

Although you can create a zip file on virtually any version of Windows 11, the steps could be slightly different depending on the version installed on your computer. The steps for Windows 10 are the same regardless of the version.

From Windows 11 24H2

To create a zip file on Windows 11 24H2 and higher releases, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

2. Open the folder location with the files and folders to compress.

3. Right-click the file or folder, select “Compress to,” and click on “Additional options.”

   

   Quick tip: You could also choose the “ZIP file” option and confirm the name to create the archival format with the default settings.

4. (Optional) Click the Browse button to select where the archive can be stored.

5. Choose the “Zip” option from the “Archive format” setting.

   

6. Select the compression method, including Store or Deflare.

7. Choose the compression level.

8. (Optional) Check the “Retain symbolic links” option to preserve the element pointer to another file or directory in a file system.

9. Click the Create button.

Once you complete the steps, the zip file will be created on Windows 11 with the compression settings you specified in the wizard.

From Windows 11 23H2 and 10

To zip files and folders on Windows 11 (or 10), use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Browse to the folder with the files to include in the zip (compressed) file.

3. Select the files (and folders).

4. Right-click the selection and select the “Compress to ZIP” file option.

   

5. Confirm a name for the zip file and press Enter.

After you complete the steps, the compressed zipped file will be created on Windows 11.

You can add any type of file, including documents, pictures, music, executables, and other already “.zip” compressed files. If the file has already been compressed, the size will not change inside the new zipped file.

Although File Explorer may look a little different on Windows 11, the instructions will also work on Windows 10.

Create a zip before adding files

Alternatively, you can always create the zip file first and then drag and drop the files into the container to compress them. Here’s how:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the New menu and select the “Compressed (zipped) Folder” option.

   

3. Confirm a name for the zip file and press Enter.

Once completing the steps, you can drag and drop files inside the zipped file. You can also copy the files, open the zip file, and paste its contents.

Create zip files on Windows 11 from PowerShell

To compress files into a zip file with PowerShell commands, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to zip files with PowerShell and press Enter:

   Compress-Archive -Path C:\SOURCE\PATH\TO\YOUR\FILES\* -CompressionLevel Optimal -DestinationPath C:\DESTINATION\PATH\ZIPPEDFILE.zip

   

   In the command, change the source and destination to match your specific paths. The wildcard “*” tells the command to compress all the contents of the source folder.

4. (Optional) Type the following command to compress more files and press Enter:

   Compress-Archive -Path C:\SOURCE\PATH\TO\YOUR\FILES -Update -DestinationPath C:\DESTINATION\PATH\ZIPPEDFILE.zip

   In the command, change the source and destination to match your specific paths.

After you complete the steps, the files will compress, and a zipped file will be created in the location you specified.

FAQ

Does Windows 11 have a zip extractor?

Yes, on Windows 11, you can use File Explorer to extract files from a zip file.

Should I enable file and folder compression on Windows 11?

Enabling compression on Windows 11 is usually not necessary. You can always use File Explorer to compress and uncompress files and folders using zip. 

Does 7zip work on Windows 11?

Yes, Windows 11 includes support for 7zip (.7z) as well as other archival formats like TAR and RAR. However, if you have to work encryption, you have to use a third-party tool.

Update July 30, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.